Venting Means Patents (Class 200/306)
  • Patent number: 11615929
    Abstract: Switching device with closable contacts and an extinguishing chamber which is associated with the contacts and has a first extinguishing area and a second extinguishing area arranged directly adjacent to the first extinguishing area, the first extinguishing area and the second extinguishing area being spatially separated from each other by a partition wall, and the switching device being configured in such a way that a switching arc which is generated when opening the contacts is always blown away from the point where it is generated in one of the two extinguishing areas by means of an arc blowing means of the switching device and is caused to be extinguished, whereas the respective other of the two extinguishing areas is not used for extinguishing, characterized in that the partition wall between the first extinguishing area and the second extinguishing area has at least one overflow opening which connects the first extinguishing area to the second extinguishing area in such a way that plasma which is genera
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Schaltbau GmbH
    Inventors: Korbinian Kreuzpointner, Andrej Ignatov, Martin Geschke, Johannes Schmid
  • Patent number: 11615927
    Abstract: A switch may include: a movable member comprising a movable piece extending from a swing shaft and being swingable around the swing shaft; and a pressing member configured to press the movable piece while moving in response to a pushing operation, the movable piece swinging in response to pressing from the pressing member. The pressing member comprises a first contact portion configured to slide along an extending direction of the movable piece in a state of being in contact with the movable piece due to movement by the pushing operation, and a second contact portion configured to be in contact with the movable piece at a position different from a position where the first contact portion is in contact, due to the movement by the pushing operation, and the pressing member presses the movable piece by the first contact portion and the second contact portion in a contact state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kohei Sugiyama, Kazushi Maeta, Yohei Tsukanaka, Taiki Koyama
  • Patent number: 11395427
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses a control panel and an outdoor device with the control panel, which can discharge accumulated water in the control panel to prevent water accumulation. A control panel for preventing water accumulation includes a display sheet which is transparent or translucent and used for covering and protecting a circuit board and/or component, an interface label having functional areas allowing a user to observe or operate the circuit board and/or component, and an adhesive layer connected between areas of the display sheet and the interface label except for the functional areas so as to adhere the display sheet and the interface label together. Cavities are formed between the functional areas of the interface label and corresponding locations of the display sheet so as to form a display window and/or key windows. The water guiding grooves are provided in the adhesive layer for communicating the cavities with the outside so as to discharge the accumulated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventor: He Jun
  • Patent number: 10957499
    Abstract: To achieve a push-button for a game machine, capable of maintaining excellent waterproof performance and having excellent operability even when a large amount of liquid is spilled, or even when liquid is spilled while the push-button is pressed. A push-button for a game machine includes: an elastic body provided in a flange shape integrally with a key top with an outer periphery of the key top and having an outer end held between a base and a bezel; and a discharge path that communicates with a space partitioned by the key top, the bezel, and the elastic body and discharges liquid having entered the space to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Sumi, Hiroyuki Onitsuka, Takehiro Agata
  • Patent number: 10809809
    Abstract: Example implementations relate to recessed keycaps. In an example, a recessed keycap includes a keyboard frame including recesses that extend at least partially through respective internal faces of the keyboard frame and a keycap including protrusions, where each protrusion of the protrusions is disposed at least partially within and in contact with a respective recess of the recesses to movably couple the keycap to the keyboard frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Luis C Armendariz
  • Patent number: 10629395
    Abstract: A keyboard device includes a substrate, keycaps, and a membrane circuit board. The substrate has an upper surface including assembly areas, and the upper surface has an assembly member. The keycaps are disposed on the substrate and respectively corresponding to the assembly areas. The membrane circuit board is disposed between the substrate and the keycaps. The membrane circuit board includes an upper membrane layer having an upper layer hole, a lower membrane layer having a lower layer hole, and a spacing layer having a middle layer hole. The upper layer hole, the middle layer hole, and the lower layer hole communicate with each other. The assembly member protrudes upwardly from the lower layer hole, the middle layer hole, and the upper layer hole. The upper membrane layer includes a water-baffling edge between edges of the upper layer hole and the middle layer hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Hung Fu, Chun-Wei Chien
  • Patent number: 10571624
    Abstract: The description relates to laminated input devices, such as keyboards. One example can include a laminated light-distribution assembly and a key assembly adhered in light receiving relation to the laminated light-distribution assembly as a laminated input device having a neutral axis in the light-distribution assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt A. Jenkins, Tim Large, Lincoln Ghioni, Neil Emerton
  • Patent number: 10520978
    Abstract: A foldable display panel, including: a first non-folding region, a folding region, and a second non-folding region arranged in the first direction; a plurality of gate lines; a plurality of data lines having first and second data lines; a plurality of first data pins located in the first non-folding region; a plurality of second data pins located in the second non-folding region; a plurality of first data leads; and a plurality of second data leads. The plurality of gate lines extends in the first direction from the first non-folding region, passes through the folding region and extends to the second non-folding region. The first data lines are electrically connected to the plurality of first data pins, and the second data lines are electrically connected to the plurality of second data pins. A folding axis of the foldable display panel is substantially parallel to the plurality of data lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: WuHan TianMa Micro-electronics CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yin Li, Wenke Li, Qin Yue, Baonan Wang, Tao Peng
  • Patent number: 10424446
    Abstract: Keyboard assemblies having reduced thicknesses and methods of forming the same. A keyboard assembly may include a printed circuit board (PCB) and a single membrane sheet adhered directly to the PCB. The single membrane sheet may substantially cover the PCB. The keyboard assembly may also include a group of dome switches coupled directly to the single membrane sheet. Another keyboard assembly may include a group of conductive pads and a group of membrane pads. Each of the group of membrane pads may be adhered directly to a corresponding one of the group of conductive pads. The keyboard assembly may also include a group of dome switches coupled directly to the membrane pads. Each of the group of dome switches may be coupled directly to a corresponding one of the group of membrane pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Craig C. Leong, Bradford J. Zercoe, Thai Q. La, Robert Y. Cao, Alex J. Lehmann, Dinesh C. Mathew
  • Patent number: 10249466
    Abstract: A protection system for an electrical apparatus is disclosed. The protection system includes a baffle assembly and a coating for electrical elements exposed to arc gases. The baffle assembly includes a number of generally planar sidewalls, each sidewall including a first edge surface, a second edge surface, and a third edge surface. The sidewalls are disposed in a spaced, generally parallel configuration defining a number of channels. A first end wall is sealingly coupled to each sidewall first edge. A second end wall is sealingly coupled to each sidewall second edge. A third end wall is sealingly coupled to each sidewall third edge. The terminals of an electrical apparatus are disposed in an aligned set with one set of terminals in each channel. The channels are structured to limit the flow of arc gases across adjacent sets of terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Alfred Lee Randall, Thomas Arthur Farr, John Austin Cochran, Irving Albert Gibbs
  • Patent number: 10014668
    Abstract: A switchgear enclosure is provided. The switchgear enclosure includes a plurality of switchgear panels and a plurality of ducts extending through the switchgear panels. Each switchgear panel includes an exterior housing, a busbar compartment defined within the exterior housing, and an exhaust system. The busbar compartment surrounds a busbar extending through the switchgear panel. The exhaust system includes a vent path structure configured within the exterior housing to at least partially surround the busbar compartment, a first channel defined between the vent path structure and the exterior housing, and a first vent opening formed on the vent path structure. The first vent opening directs arc gases within said busbar compartment to the first channel. The ducts are in fluid communication with the first channels of the switchgear panels to distribute arc gases between the first channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Samir Rajauria, Steven Edward Meiners, Hao Wu, Ayyappa Reddy Jakkireddy, Guru Moorthy Kurra
  • Patent number: 9905387
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes an electrically insulative case including a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The circuit breaker further includes an end cover selectively installable on both the first and second ends of the electrically insulative case. The end cover includes a wall defining at least one opening for receiving a removable shield, a first end connectable to the electrically insulative case first end, and a second end connectable to the electrically insulative case second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Alisha Marie Davis, Dhirendra Tiwari
  • Patent number: 9824836
    Abstract: An input device for use with a first electronic device and a second electronic device includes a frame, a plurality of manually depressible input members supported by the frame, a communication module supported by the frame and operable to selectively communicate with the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and a switch supported by the frame and coupled to the communication module. The switch is operable to change whether the communication module communicates with the first electronic device or the second electronic device. The input device also includes a light source coupled to the switch and positioned at least partially within the frame. The light source is operable to provide a backlight for the plurality of input members. The backlight is modified in response to actuation of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: ACCO Brands Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Robinson, Alex Klinkman
  • Patent number: 9819159
    Abstract: A housing for a variable frequency drive and its transformer, which housing has two compartments, one each for a VFD and transformer. The housing is box shaped with enclosures attached to the rear wall of each compartment, which enclosures communicate through openings in the compartments to their interiors. The VFD compartment has an exterior side wall communicating enclosure. Cooling components are disposed in each enclosure. Each compartment has inner and outer doors. The inner door of the VFD compartment has a recessed cabinet with VFD controls therein and on its door. The inner door of the transformer compartment has a grill, while its outer door has both interior and exterior louvers. The transformer compartment also holds the main circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventors: Lewis T. Smith, Rohan Kumar, Gnia Vang
  • Patent number: 9805898
    Abstract: A protection system for an electrical apparatus is disclosed. The protection system includes a baffle assembly and a coating for electrical elements exposed to arc gasses. The baffle assembly includes a number of generally planar sidewalls, each sidewall including a first edge surface, a second edge surface, and a third edge surface. The sidewalls are disposed in a spaced, generally parallel configuration defining a number of channels. A first end wall, is sealingly coupled to each sidewall first edge. A second end wall is sealingly coupled to each sidewall second edge. A third end wall is sealingly coupled to each sidewall third edge. The terminals of an electrical apparatus are disposed in an aligned set with one set of terminals in each channel. The channels are structured to limit the flow of arc gasses across adjacent sets of terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred Lee Randall, Thomas Arthur Farr, John Austin Cochran, Irving Albert Gibbs
  • Patent number: 9748060
    Abstract: A hybrid interrupter member for an electrical circuit, the interrupter member including a static interrupter component and an electromechanical interrupter component. The static component is mounted on a support carrying electrical contacts for the static component, the support being configured, on receiving a command to interrupt, to move in such a manner as to withdraw at least one of the electrical contacts from its respective pin, thereby forming the electromechanical interrupter component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: TURBOMECA
    Inventors: Thomas Klonowski, Camel Serghine
  • Patent number: 9741501
    Abstract: A thin-film switch includes an upper conducting layer, a lower conducting layer and an insulating layer, wherein the insulating layer is located between the upper conducting layer and the lower conducting layer, one of the upper conducting layer and the lower conducting layer includes a conducting circuit layer and an anode triggering portion and a cathode triggering portion that are arranged on the conducting circuit layer, the other layer includes a first base material and a conductor that is arranged on the first base material and is conducted with the anode triggering portion and the cathode triggering portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Jiangsu Transimage Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Weimin Zou
  • Patent number: 9653239
    Abstract: The present invention includes a wear-resistant material including: a base material formed of pure aluminum or an aluminum alloy having a projection, and a depression in a pit-like shape on a surface thereof; and a coat including a dehydrate of a hydrated oxide of aluminum, the coat being formed on a surface of the base material. Further, the present invention including a method for producing a wear-resistant material including the steps of: forming a hydrated oxide coat of aluminum on a surface of the base material by a chemical conversion coating; and heating the hydrated oxide coat. Further, the present invention also includes a puffer cylinder and a puffer-type gas circuit breaker applied to the above wear-resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Ono, Makoto Hirose, Daisuke Ebisawa, Hisashi Urasaki
  • Patent number: 9618977
    Abstract: Input device adhesive techniques are described. A pressure sensitive key includes a sensor substrate having one or more conductors, a spacer layer, and a flexible contact layer. The spacer layer is disposed proximal to the sensor substrate and has at least one opening. The flexible contact layer is spaced apart from the sensor substrate by the spacer layer and configured to flex through the opening in response to an applied pressure to initiate an input. The flexible contact layer is secured to the spacer layer such that at first edge, the flexible contact layer is secured to the spacer layer at an approximate midpoint of the first edge and is not secured to the spacer along another portion of the first edge and at a second edge, the flexible contact layer is not secured to the spacer layer along an approximate midpoint of the second edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: David Otto Whitt, III, Timothy C. Shaw, Rob Huala, David C. Vandervoort, Matthew David Mickelson, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Todd David Pleake, Hua Wang
  • Patent number: 9589747
    Abstract: An operating device includes an operation member to be push-operated by an operator, a body mounting the operation member so as to be push-operated by the operator, a columnar portion protruding from a surface of the body opposite the operation member; and a resiliently deformable click member disposed between the columnar portion and the operation member to impart a click feeling to the operator. The click member includes a first member located on a side of the operation member and a second member located on a side of the columnar portion and having a smaller external size than the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ueno
  • Patent number: 9508502
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a push button switch 5 comprising a curved deformable contact element 4. The push button switch 5 comprises at least one first terminal point 1, at least one second terminal point 2, and at least one third terminal point 3. The deformable contact element 4 is switched between a first and a second state. In the first state the deformable contact element 4 connects the at least one first terminal point 1 with the at least one second terminal point 2 whereas there is neither contact between the at least one third terminal point 3 and the at least one first terminal point 1 nor between the at least one third terminal point 3 and the at least one second terminal point 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: MEC A/S
    Inventors: Flemming Dromph, Dan Larsen
  • Patent number: 9412529
    Abstract: A clasping connection structure of a contactor is disclosed, including a base, a housing and a bobbin; accommodating chambers is formed on the housing and configured to accommodate contact head therein, the accommodating chambers are separated via a side plate, the bobbin and the housing are connected via a first clasp, the first clasp is protruded and extended at a central side plate of the housing, the central side plate is located at an axial center line of the housing, correspondingly, a limiting slot for matching with the central side plate is formed on the bobbin, the bobbin is inserted in the housing, the central side plate passes through the limiting slot, the clasp of the central side plate is hooked on the bobbin at a side of the limiting slot, to connect the bobbin and the housing, the housing and the base are connected via a second clasp. The contactor of the invention is adapted to the automatic assembling, and has reduced manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Xiamen Hongfa Electrical Safety & Controls Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xinjiang Tian, Changhui Xia
  • Patent number: 9408294
    Abstract: Printed circuit board assemblies providing fault detection are provided. One example printed circuit board assembly includes a substrate layer. One or more solder pins are located on a rear surface of the substrate layer. The printed circuit board assembly includes a non-conductive layer adjacent to the rear surface of the substrate layer. The printed circuit board assembly includes a conductive layer adjacent to the non-conductive layer. The conductive layer is electrically connected to a ground. The printed circuit board assembly includes a mounting surface. The printed circuit board assembly includes a support layer compressed between the conductive layer and the mounting surface. The support layer applies a mechanical force that presses the conductive layer towards the non-conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Davide Jonathan Leone
  • Patent number: 9295168
    Abstract: A flexible display device includes a flexible display unit configured to display images, and a slap portion on the flexible display unit, the slap portion having a curvature and being configured to bend together with the flexible display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong-In Baek, Yi-Joon Ahn
  • Patent number: 9274506
    Abstract: A wearable electric device includes a main body with a circuit module inside and at least a detachable battery strap with a battery module inside, and the main body and the detachable battery strap are detachably fastened together. A female buckle member is formed on the edge of the main body and includes a receiving chamber, a pair of locking notches arranged on the respective sides of the receiving chamber and a plurality of metal conductive points connected with the circuit module. A male buckle member is attached on the front part of the detachable battery strap to be fastened with the female buckle member and includes a plurality of pogo pin connectors for connecting with the metal conducting points, and a locking block for fastening with the receiving chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen Ting Lu
  • Patent number: 9007746
    Abstract: A cabinet structure for a switchgear assembly. The cabinet structure includes a cabinet having upper and lower vents and a breaker cradle for holding a circuit breaker having primary disconnects for connecting the circuit breaker to bus bars. The cabinet further includes an air passageway located between the upper and lower vents, wherein the air passageway extends vertically through the primary disconnects and the cabinet. Further, the cabinet includes a fan module having at least one fan for drawing outside air through the lower vent, the air passageway and the primary disconnects for cooling the primary disconnects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Rahul Rajvanshi, Harry W. Josten, James Keith Flowers
  • Patent number: 8926201
    Abstract: A keyboard includes a stiffener having a plurality of recesses defined therein, a flexible printed circuit defining a plurality of venting holes, each venting hole in correspondence with one of the plurality of recesses, and a dome sheet provided on top of the flexible printed circuit and including a plurality of domes, each of the domes in correspondence with one of the plurality of venting holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Chao Chen
  • Patent number: 8842421
    Abstract: An arc-resistant switchgear enclosure has a vent opening and a vent flap. Normally the vent flap is open to allow air to circulate through the enclosure. However, in the event of an arc fault explosion in the enclosure, the vent flap is forced to close by the explosion. As the vent flap closes, a flexible latch member moves along a keeper and prevents the vent flap from reopening. In some embodiments, the latch member contacts the keeper and props the vent flap open for normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Central Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Paul W. Gingrich
  • Patent number: 8809712
    Abstract: A switch designed for dustproof performance by minimizing a route of entry of dust from a terminal portion, includes a plurality of terminals, a movable contact piece that is supported in a manner allowing displacement between a non-conduction position and a conduction position, and a contact actuating member that displaces the movable contact piece in response to an externally applied pressing force. A main body of the switch includes an opening communicating with the outside, partition walls formed between the opening and the movable contact piece, barrier walls formed between the opening and the movable contact piece, and passages formed by ends of the barrier walls and walls that are opposite the ends of the barrier walls. Each partition wall extends across the corresponding passage and each terminal includes a connection portion and a blocking portion that is bent from the connection portion and blocks the corresponding passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Kobayashi, Taiki Koyama
  • Patent number: 8748771
    Abstract: A switchgear panel comprises an enclosure having an internal volume suitable to accommodate corresponding electrical or electronic equipment, and an arc protection assembly which is operatively associated to a wall of the enclosure. The arc assembly comprises at least a first barrier element having a first surface which is provided with one or more first through openings defining each a respective same first venting area, and a second barrier element which comprises a second surface provided with one or more second through openings defining each a respective same second venting area. The first venting area of each first through opening is different from the second venting area of the second through openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Walter-Salvatore Franco
  • Publication number: 20140110232
    Abstract: An arc-resistant switchgear enclosure has a vent opening and a vent flap. Normally the vent flap is open to allow air to circulate through the enclosure. However, in the event of an arc fault explosion in the enclosure, the vent flap is forced to close by the explosion. As the vent flap closes, a flexible latch member moves along a keeper and prevents the vent flap from reopening. In some embodiments, the latch member contacts the keeper and props the vent flap open for normal operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Central Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Paul W. Gingrich
  • Patent number: 8575504
    Abstract: A switch is disclosed, in particular a switch disconnector for low voltages, including at least one cuboid pole housing; a switching shaft which runs transversely with respect to the side walls and disconnects contact elements which are resting on one another in order to open the switch; and an aperture opening formed in one wall of the pole housing. In order to prevent the risk of an electrical flashover to the rear wall, it is proposed in at least one embodiment, that the aperture opening is formed in a side wall, to which a channel is connected, which dissipates any overpressure that occurs in the pole housing in an end-face outlet direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Matthias Eisner
  • Patent number: 8552322
    Abstract: A switch device includes a base board having a face on which a fixed contact is provided and an elastic sheet that covers the face of the base board. The elastic sheet includes a contact dome part that covers the fixed contact to form a contact chamber, a movable contact that is provided on the contact dome part, a first recessed part that forms an air accumulating chamber, a second recessed part that forms a foreign material accumulating chamber, a guide groove that has a straight part and a circular arc part to form a guide passage for communicating the air accumulating chamber with the foreign material accumulating chamber, a nonreturn part provided inside the circular arc part, and a vent groove connected to the contact dome part and the guide groove to form a vent passage for communicating the contact chamber with the guide passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Toshihito Takai
  • Patent number: 8519287
    Abstract: A circuit breaker assembly includes a housing, a trip mechanism, a vent channel, and a chamber. The trip mechanism is positioned within the housing can causes a movable contact to separate from a second contact in response to detection by the circuit breaker assembly of an electrical fault. The vent channel is formed in the housing and positioned to exhaust gas and debris produced as the movable contact separates from the second contact during the electrical fault to an aperture in the housing. The chamber has a chamber housing coupled to the housing adjacent the aperture such that the chamber receives the gas and debris exiting the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney D. Raabe, David W. Barenz, William J. Broghammer
  • Patent number: 8507820
    Abstract: A mobile electronic device has a dome switch assembly secured to the housing of the device, over a recess formed in the housing of device. The dome switch assembly has a substrate with a vent hole communicating between the recess of the housing and the space comprised between the substrate and a dome actuation portion of the dome switch assembly. Upon actuation of the dome switch assembly, air present between the dome actuation portion and the substrate flows into the recess of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Chao Chen, Vijai Rajagopal
  • Publication number: 20130037398
    Abstract: A switch designed for dustproof performance by minimizing a route of entry of dust from a terminal portion, includes a plurality of terminals, a movable contact piece that is supported in a manner allowing displacement between a non-conduction position and a conduction position, and a contact actuating member that displaces the movable contact piece in response to an externally applied pressing force. A main body of the switch includes an opening communicating with the outside, partition walls formed between the opening and the movable contact piece, barrier walls formed between the opening and the movable contact piece, and passages formed by ends of the barrier walls and walls that are opposite the ends of the barrier walls. Each partition wall extends across the corresponding passage and each terminal includes a connection portion and a blocking portion that is bent from the connection portion and blocks the corresponding passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: MINORU KOBAYASHI, Taiki Koyama
  • Patent number: 8354604
    Abstract: A cover of an electrically-connected portion of an auto transfer switch, which is detachable and includes an arc guide portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Vitzrotech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: No-Chun Park, Choong-Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 8330062
    Abstract: An apparatus including an electrical switching device to control current to a load and a second case arranged to substantially encapsulate the electrical switching device. The electrical switching device includes a first case; a plurality of contacts disposed in the first case; and an opening in the first case disposed to expose the contacts. The second case is arranged to duct a blast from the opening of the first case of the electrical switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Elliott, John B. Engel, Rhonda L. Wilson, Pieter Agnar Paulson
  • Patent number: 8284036
    Abstract: A dual activated pneumatic actuator system for a patient call system includes a dual function hand held actuator for a pneumatic patient call system and having first and second air pressure domes; a pneumatically actuated switching device including two cylinders, contact pins and C-clips connected to the contact pins; and an air conduit system connecting the dual function hand held actuator to the pneumatically actuated switching device. When a first air pressure dome is depressed pressurized air forces a cylinder against its respective pin and C-clip to create a first circuit whereby an electrical signal is sent to an alarm system in the nurse station and when the second air pressure dome is depressed pressurized air forces the other cylinder against its respective pin and C-clip to create a second circuit whereby an electrical signal is sent to an electronic device, for example television or radio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Dwyer Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bert W. Wechtenhiser
  • Patent number: 8273159
    Abstract: A control device module for a motor vehicle includes a control device that has a closed housing in which a first internal pressure prevails, and at least one connecting device for coupling a connecting element of an electrical cable. A closed space is defined in the coupled state between the connecting device and the connecting element, in which closed space a second internal pressure prevails. The control device also includes a pressure compensating device for adapting the first and second internal pressures to an external pressure that acts on the control device module from outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Moser, Hartmut Wayand
  • Patent number: 8242395
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a switchgear apparatus. More particularly, the invention encompasses a circuit breaker compartment arc flash venting system for a switchgear apparatus. The present invention also relates to enclosures for switchgear, panel boards, circuit breakers, and more particularly to an enclosure for low voltage switchgear and switchboard assemblies. The enclosure can be a walk-in type enclosure or a non-walk-in type enclosure. This invention further provides a method and apparatus for channeling plasma (hot arc gasses) that are generated from an arc. The circuit breaker compartment arc flash venting system is an integral part of an arc resistant switchgear assembly. The arc flash venting system works in conjunction with the bus insulation and ventilation systems in the switchgear apparatus to channel hot arc gasses (plasma) from a breaker compartment in the event of an internal arcing fault in the breaker compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry W. Josten, Keith Flowers, Rahul Rajvanshi
  • Patent number: 8178803
    Abstract: An electronic device including a main body, a carrying layer disposed at the main body, a waterproof layer stacked on the carrying layer and located between the carrying layer and the main body, a supporting element disposed on the carrying layer, a key disposed on the supporting element, and a guiding element connected to the key is provided. The main body has an inner space and an opening exposing the inner space. The carrying layer covering the opening has a first ventilation hole and an assembly hole. The waterproof layer has a second ventilation hole. The first ventilation hole is exposed by the second ventilation hole and connected with the inner space. The assembly hole is covered by the waterproof layer. The supporting element covers the first ventilation hole and has a third ventilation hole connected with the first ventilation hole. The guiding element is locked at the assembly hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Chia-Yuan Chang, Cheng-Pang Wang, I-Huei Huang, Wen-Neng Liao
  • Patent number: 8089017
    Abstract: A mobile electronic device has a dome switch assembly secured to the housing of the device, over a recess formed in the housing of device. The dome switch assembly has a substrate with a vent hole communicating between the recess of the housing and the space comprised between the substrate and a dome actuation portion of the dome switch assembly. Upon actuation of the dome switch assembly, air present between the dome actuation portion and the substrate flows into the recess of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Chao Chen, Vijai Rajagopal
  • Patent number: 7938460
    Abstract: A latch release operating apparatus release a latch state of a door, for example, a vehicle door. The apparatus includes an enclosure. The enclosure includes a case having a hollow portion; a base plate arranged in the hollow portion, the base plate having an electrically conducting portion; a member made of electrically non-conducting material arranged at the electrically conducting portion of the base plate; and a cover for closing the hollow portion. At least one of the case and the cover is provided with a breathing hole so that an interior of the enclosure communicates with an exterior of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Ishiguro
  • Publication number: 20110067988
    Abstract: An apparatus including an electrical switching device to control current to a load and a second case arranged to substantially encapsulate the electrical switching device. The electrical switching device includes a first case; a plurality of contacts disposed in the first case; and an opening in the first case disposed to expose the contacts. The second case is arranged to duct a blast from the opening of the first case of the electrical switching device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Elliott, John B. Engel, Rhonda L. Wilson, Pieter Agnar Paulson
  • Patent number: 7910848
    Abstract: Keypad devices have become commonplace in everyday life. They are part of our everyday life, in the form of pocket calculators, telephones, remote control devices, and cellular phones. Cleaning these keypad devices is problematic, since they have a large number of actuatable keys, due to the functions to be performed. As a mechanical interface in the keypad device, each key is a critical weak point in terms of maintaining a tight seal. An easy-to-clean keypad device, in particular an emergency call device, has a main body, an electronic assembly—which includes circuit elements and is installed in main body—a closing shell and keys, which are installed in closing shell and are designed to mechanically actuate the circuit elements. Closing shell with installed keys is a first preinstalled assembly, and main body with installed electronic assembly is a second preinstalled assembly. The first and second preinstalled assemblies are interconnected such that they may be separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Thuersam, Wilhelm Weissgerber, Joachim Kwasny, Falk Herrmann, Sonja Tiedemann, Peter Theunissen
  • Patent number: 7838784
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus has a housing. The housing has a first chamber to house circuit components, a second chamber parted from the first chamber, and a keyboard mounting portion to mount a keyboard. The keyboard mounting portion and second chamber are communicatively connected through a liquid inlet. A liquid outlet opening from the second chamber to the housing is formed below the liquid inlet. The liquid outlet has an opening area larger than the liquid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takayuki Arisaka, Yuji Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7586057
    Abstract: A vented case is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including an arc chute structured to attract and dissipate an arc. The arc produces an ionized gas. The vented case includes at least one housing member comprising an interior, an exterior, a first end, a second end disposed generally opposite and distal from the first end, and an intermediate portion extending between the first end and the second end. The vented case also includes at least one vent structured to discharge the ionized gas from the interior of such housing member to the exterior of such housing member. Such vent includes a plurality of venting passages, each extending from proximate the arc chute within the interior to the exterior. An electrical switching apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Glen C. Sisson, Mark O. Zindler, Craig A. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 7558052
    Abstract: A seal assembly for an electrical enclosure having a draw-out circuit breaker and a number of conductors is provided having a movable first seal member and a movable second seal member. The circuit breaker includes a protruding nose portion that is engaged by the first and second seal members in a manner that sealingly engages the nose portion. The arrangement of the first and second seal members and the nose portion provides for the sealing engagement to be maintained when the circuit breaker is moved from a first position in which the circuit breaker is not electrically connected to the number of conductors and a second position in which the circuit breaker is electrically connected to the number of conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jarrod L. Coomer, Michael H. Abrahamsen, David A. Metcalf, Timothy Fair, Stanley E. Moore
  • Patent number: 7545247
    Abstract: A terminal shield is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a case having a first housing member, a second housing member coupled to and disposed opposite from the first housing member, a first end, a second end, a number of terminals, and a number of terminal openings. Each of the first and second housing members has a first side and a second side. The terminal shield includes at least one pair of protrusions extending outwardly from the case on opposing sides of a corresponding one of the terminal openings. Each protrusion has an interior surface facing a corresponding one of the terminals, and an exterior surface disposed opposite the interior surface. The exterior surface of each protrusion aligns with the first side of a corresponding one of the first and second housing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Mark O. Zindler